Rawalpindi Tragedy

Just had one of those moments when two apparently disconnected memes collide and touch at an emotional level. First of all, the assassination of Benazir Bhutto is described in poignant detail by John Moore on the New York Times web site. At the same time that I was listening to his recounting of the assassination, I was also listening to the Barber’s Adagio for Strings. I had only heard the frantic versions that Orbit and Tiesto had performed. The original version is so somber, so serene. It runs 7:46 minutes but sets an almost exquisite mood for this sad scenario.

This will take at least two browser tabs. Start the audio (below) in a separate window and let it run a few minutes to set the tone. Then open a separate window to listen to John describe the assassination on the New York Times web site while pictures of the emotional scene play out. It works – and regardless of your position on the situation or your feelings about the woman or the country, you can’t help but be touched by the tragedy.

P.S. The audio I’ve included has no license issues. I’m certain if I was making money on this, the photo the would be an issue for Getty. I’ve given them all the link goodness I can muster. Other then the photos in the NY Times montage, I think this is the best shot. The version of Barber’s Adagio is unencumbered by a license – and not my favorite version. I’d have included my favorite by Charles Munch but the version I have is copy protected and Vox wisely won’t let me include. It’s a shame because it is a much more powerful version then you’ll hear now.